Summer in the city is in full swing. After the Fête de la Musique, two street festivals are taking place this weekend. They transform the neighbourhoods of Neukölln and Kreuzberg into a lively mecca for art lovers. Exciting events are also waiting for you at many other locations - but they don't cover entire neighbourhoods...
Tip 1: Immerse yourself in the art world of Neukölln for 48 hours
At the weekend, Berlin reminds you once again why it is considered a cultural metropolis. Because even if you wanted to, you can't really escape art at the weekend. At least not in Neukölln. From Friday to Sunday, the free 48 HOURS OF NEUKÖLLN festival takes place here, covering the neighbourhood with works of art by artists big and small. Whether in underground stations, studios or backyards, there is something to discover everywhere. This year's festival focuses on the theme of "Urban Silence" and addresses the importance of urban sound space in its art projects. So set off and explore Neukölln - either with a customised festival programme, on one of the many festival tours or on your own!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Neukölln
More about 48 STUNDEN NEUKÖLLN
Tip 2: Expand your literary horizons at the AFRICAN BOOK FESTIVAL
Many authors:The authors of the African Book Festival 2024 have long been regulars on international bookshelves, juries and universities - but their names are hardly known in Germany. The festival has set itself the goal of offering African authors more than just a stage. It also aims to draw attention to the grievances that still contribute to the perpetuation of prejudice and racist tendencies. In the name of equality and post-colonial endeavours, this year's festival is being held as a Queer Edition and will focus in particular on genderqueer writers. Our tip: Let the weekend start a little earlier this time and take part in the Pink Pillow Readings, which will take place simultaneously on Thursday at various Berlin locations.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Alte Münze Berlin, Molkenmarkt 2, Mitte
More about the African Book Festival
Tip 3: Berlin Pride Month & Opening at the Reichstag Fan Zone
With DJs, live acts, music and plenty of material for discussion on current topics and demands from the community, Berlin Pride Month will open this year at the Reichstag Fan Zone. LGBTQ+ in sport is the topic of the Pride House Berlin Talk from 7pm. The Pride Month Opening Ceremony with Queens Against Borders, music and performances with FLOSS, NipSlip, Laura Tashina and Aka Kelzz will inspire you from 8 pm.
When: 28 June 2024, from 2 pm (warm up from 4 pm)
Where: adidas Stadium in front of the Reichstag
Pride Month Berlin Opening Ceremony
Neukölln stands still for 48 hours
Stroll through the neighborhood and discover art in different places, from Späti to community gardens and studios. This is possible again this year at 48 Stunden Neukölln. Visit us from June 28 to 30, 2024 and become part of Berlin's largest free art festival!
Tip 4: Celebrate your birthday with the Blue Man Group
What is probably Berlin's most popular entertainment group is celebrating its 20th anniversary - and the programme is as entertaining, rousing and exciting as it was on day one. Still cracklingly colourful, still innovative, rhythmic and with their witty inclusion of cutting-edge topics, they still have their finger on the pulse. That's how we know and love the men in blue - and we should show them that. So dress up and make your way to the Bluemax Theatre, because the popular anniversary show is taking place here for the last time this weekend.
When: Friday at 6pm and 9pm, Saturday at 5pm and 8pm and Sunday at 3pm
Where: Bluemax Theatre, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 4, Mitte
More about Blue Man Group - 20 years in Berlin
Tip 5: Let yourself drift through the streets at the Kreuzberg Festival
Just one week after the popular Fête de la Musique, jazz is already ringing out again in Berlin's Kreuzberg district: The Kreuzberg Festival - formerly Bergmannstraßenfest - is just around the corner, bringing music as well as art and culinary delights to the streets. Kreuzberg residents and newcomers have been looking forward to this cultural Berlin highlight since 1994. Here you can wander the streets of the popular historic neighbourhood undisturbed. Cars are banned, you'll find cool drinks and delicious snacks on every corner and Berlin's arts and crafts invite you to shop. And the best thing about it? You can enjoy all of this with free admission!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: Bergmannstraße, Kreuzberg
Information about the Kreuzberg-Festival
Tip 6: Cruise across the Oberhavel lakes in the sunshine
The Oberhavel lake landscape in the north of Berlin is a hidden gem. In addition to the breathtaking nature, there is also a lot going on here historically. Enchanted islands, a border area between West and East, the original Slavic settlement of Spandau and a great view of Villa Borsig. All these highlights are only really visible from the water. So hoist the sails and weigh anchor, because it's definitely worth getting on board to explore the north of Berlin. Set off from the jetty on Greenwichpromenade on one of the spacious sightseeing ships on a very special exploration tour and let the sun shine on your head!
When: Various departure times
Where: Greenwichpromenade landing stage, Alt-Tegel 45F, Reinickendorf
Tickets for the boat trip on the Oberhavel lakes
Tip 7: Listen to Gregor Gysi and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg discussing
For over a year now, Gregor Gysi and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg have been discussing social and political issues in their podcast "Gysi gegen Guttenberg - der Deutschland Podcast". The two are rightly among the most popular figures in the German political landscape. Their intelligent and open discussions leave ideological boundaries behind and always demonstrate shrewdness and sensitivity. Neither of them shy away from private anecdotes either. This weekend, you can not only listen to this spectacle, but also watch it: Gregor Gysi and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg will meet in the Admiralspalast and demonstrate in front of a real audience how relaxed dialogue can work.
When: Friday at 8pm
Where: Admiralspalast, Friedrichstraße 101, Mitte
Tickets and information on Gysi gegen Guttenberg
Tip 8: Explore Berlin's foundations on Architecture Day
This weekend, our beloved Berlin is going to the (building) substance. The Federal Day of Architecture is coming up and will transform Berlin into a Mekka for architecture enthusiasts. Many exciting places of architecture take part in this special event every year and open their doors to curious visitors. Readings, participatory projects and guided tours are on the programme. Many projects are also dedicated to the challenges that climate change will pose for architecture in terms of sustainability and heat resistance in the coming years. Admission is free for all events
When: Saturday and Sunday at various opening times
Where: Various venues
Further information on the Day of Architecture
Tip 9: Be there when Edith runs through Neukölln
There's something to celebrate! Ades Zabel turns 60, his show troupe celebrates its 20th birthday. The whole thing is being honoured with "Edith rennt". In this play, Berlin cabaret star Zabel sends his showcase Neukölln actress Edith Schröder on a journey through time and - in the style of Tom Tykwer's Berlin classic "Run Lola Run" - through the whole city. To celebrate, the star director even appears in a few film sequences in the play himself. The Ades Zabel Company gets the audience at the Berliner Kabarett Anstalt to cheer once again in true Neukölln style: futschi, smoker's lungs and cat shirts. More Berlin is not possible!
When: Friday and Saturday at 8pm
Where: BKA Theatre, Mehringdamm 34, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Go on an archaeological search for clues at the PETRI Haus
A full 15 years ago, archaeologists discovered the foundations of the Cölln Latin School and other remains of medieval Berliners on Petriplatz. PETRI Berlin has been built on this site in recent years and can be visited for the first time this weekend. It's not just another Berlin museum: PETRI Berlin sees itself as an interactive space where you can become an archaeologist yourself. Look forward to the concept of a unique combination of workshops, magazine, visitor and project areas. Under the motto "Discover archaeology", the first open day will take place this weekend. Come on in!
When: Saturday from 12 - 5pm
Where: PETRI - the Archaeological House at Petriplatz, Kleine Gertraudenstraße 8, Mitte
More about the open day at PETRI House
Tip 11: Feel the melancholy of resistance at the Staatsoper
A mood that can only prevail just before the apocalypse: Time seems to stand still, everyday life resembles a string of unpredictable coincidences and an unknown threat hovers over people. The novel The Melancholy of Resistance is a literary masterpiece by Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai. Created in 1989 as a parable of the situation in Eastern Europe at the time, today it also captures the spirit of the times. This weekend, the Staatsoper unter den Linden is presenting a play based on the plot of this novel. The composer Marc-André Dalbavie, the writer Guillaume Métayer and the Hungarian director David Marton are developing a cinematic opera in which reality and fiction flow seamlessly into one another. Look forward to an apocalyptically good world premiere!
When: Sunday at 6pm
Where: Staatsoper unter den Linden, Unter den Linden 7, Mitte
Tickets and more can be found here
